I am writing to make you aware of an extraordinary writer
and journalist who will be visiting our campus as part of the English Reading
Series. Helen Benedict will be reading from her 2012 novel Sand Queen
which is about sexual assault in the U.S. military. This widely acclaimed
novel, as well as Benedict's non-fiction book on the same topic, The Lonely
Soldier, have been groundbreaking in raising awareness of the military's
handling of sexual assault and in sparking action to reform this problem.
Helen Benedict will be giving a public reading from Sand
Queen from 5-6:15 PM on Monday, April 18 in the Ridenour Room (115 Dauch)
and will be available for book signing, as well (some of her books will be available
for purchase at the reading). I'm pasting her bio below. The film The
Invisible War, a documentary inspired by Benedict's work, is also available
for viewing in the campus library (call number DVD 0949) for those who
might be interested.
All best,
Dr. Mondal
